Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Http://www.paracordist.com Website feedback from Carlos S: "I just wanted to say thank you for all your helpful videos. I am a active duty sailor and you've inspired me to do new things with paracord, motivated me to try harder and only accept quality. So thank you and please continue to share the knowledge." --- Thanks for the feedback and your service Carlos!

Last summer I posted a video of me throwing a practice set of bolas like this, made with 3/8" rope I got a local hardware store: http://youtu.be/rIGRFb4kX80

My new video shows you in detail how to make a set of your own. The monkeys fist has a rope core and therefore is safe enough to throw around without major fear of killing someone or something. As always, be careful anyway. We use these around the campsite to play games with the kids, tossing at trees and poles and keeping score for hits and wraps.

From Wikipedia:
"Bolas (from Spanish bola, "ball", also known as boleadoras, or Inca ayllo) are a throwing weapon superficially similar to the surujin, made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs. They were most famously used by the South American gauchos, but have been found in excavations of Pre-Columbian settlements, especially in Patagonia, where indigenous peoples used them to catch 200 pound guanaco (llama-like mammals) and ñandú (birds). They were also used in battle by the Inca Army. They have also been found as a Stone Age lithic tool in North America at the Calico Early Man Site."

Paracordist How to save big $ on UST Wetfire Tinder for Survival Kit, camping, hiking, survivalist, preparedness. Alternative yet nearly identical product can be bought at WalMart for a fraction of the cost for more than 3 times the material. A must have for any survival kit!

Friday, May 17, 2013

JOIN #Paracordist's Playground - NEW google plus all- #paracord forum!
The Paracordist's Playground is a place I've setup for the discussion of all things paracord! The only rules at this time is keep it civil and use appropriate language - I want this to be suitable for all ages. Feel free to share your work and links AND ask questions!
To start, I've created four categories. Three are self explanatory. The "Proving Ground" is a place to show me your samples of my own products or your unique ideas for constructive criticism and maybe an invitation to join our company's talented group of "Makers"!
I know at this point it may seem like just another place in a long list to post your stuff. However here's what can I offer that will make this Community worth your visit and posts! I reach hundreds of thousands of viewers through my website, blog, google+, facebook, youtube, twitter and pinterest. If I see something I really like, I share it everywhere, which means awesome exposure for your work. Second, every once in a while I see something I really LOVE and I reach out to the maker to provide them an opportunity to sell the item through my store - great for those haveing a hard time breaking out. Third, I'm very active in my social media, so I will answer questions, help brainstorm, provide advice and links to how-tos etc.

Outdoors persons like me should appreciate this video. Its about sustainable infrastructure - I'm an engineer by day and we have a huge role to play in protecting the environment. Its nice to be able to contribute to a healthy ecosystem through your work; particularly when the woods and waters are some of my favorite places to spend free time. I coordinated the Laconia, NH filming and speakers (starts at about 5:10 into the video). My spoken portion was left on the cutting room floor; but I make an appearance as "man on bench" lol.

The APWA Center for Sustainability produced this video that highlights the role public works plays in creating sustainable communities. The video highlights innovative projects across the US and Canada and aims to demonstrate the important and unique role public works professionals play in creating sustainable communities.